Combination backpack seat

ABSTRACT

A combination backpack and seat article incorporates a built-in seat element having a cushioned base member pivotably connected to the backpack and a cushioned back rest section attached to the backside of the backpack. When in the closed position, the base member is flush with the back rest section on the backside of the backpack and buckles securely in a locked position. When in the open, seat configuration, the cushioned base member folds down from the back rest section. Comfort adjustable lateral straps and attached buckles connect the rear of the backpack to the outboard end of the base member. Bar members located in the base member and back rest section provide structural integrity and stability when the article is used as a seat.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/998,062, filed on Oct. 9, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks and similar back supported storage type bags like messenger and computer laptop bags are commonly used not only by hikers walking through the back country, but also by students, tourists, messengers and other individuals who require a convenient, hands-free means to transport a sizeable load. Certain of these backpacks and bags incorporate some type of seating element to allow the wearer to sit down and rest. While there are a variety of such seating elements, very few provide versatile backpacks or storage bags and also sturdy, truly comfortable seats which are lightweight, adjustable to the seated user, and actually support the user's back. Even less common are backpack/bag and seat combinations which effectively maintain the user who leans back in the seat in an upright seated position, without tipping backward or to the side, or collapsing completely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a combination backpack seat article which overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of such prior products.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a combination backpack and seat article which has a backpack element which is functional and versatile in providing storage of items, but also has a readily useable seat incorporated therein.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination backpack and seat article which has a backpack element and a sturdy, foldable seat which can be easily extended outward from and then reconnected to the backpack element.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination backpack and seat article which has a backpack element and a lightweight, comfortable, fold-down seat which is easily and conveniently adjusted by the user, while the user is actually in the seat.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination backpack and seat article which has a stable, well supported user seat.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination backpack and seat article which has a backpack element and conveniently positioned strap members which facilitate the efficient and effective adjustment of the seat to the seated position of the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination backpack and seat article which comprises lightweight, internally positioned support bar members in the backpack element and in the seat, which adds to the structural integrity and, thereby aids in the overall stability of the article when in the seat configuration.

These and other objects are accomplished by the invention, a combination backpack and seat article which incorporates a built-in seat element having a cushioned base member pivotably connected to the backpack and a cushioned back rest section attached to the backside of the backpack. When in the closed position, the base member is flush with the back rest section on the backside of the backpack and buckles securely in a locked position. When in the open, seat configuration, the cushioned base member folds down from the back rest section. Comfort adjustable lateral straps and attached buckles connect the rear of the backpack to the outboard end of the base member. Bar members located in the base member and back rest section provide structural integrity and stability when the article is used as a seat.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of the combination backpack seat of the invention, in the seat configuration.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the combination backpack seat of the invention, in the backpack configuration.

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the combination backpack seat of the invention, in the backpack configuration.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken from FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another sectional view taken from FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Combination backpack and seat article 1 comprises backpack member 2 having a number of storage compartments 4, 5, and 6 and arm straps 8 and 10. Backpack member 2 can take the form of a hiker's backpack, messenger bag, computer laptop bag, or equivalent back support storage bag. In addition, the present invention is not to be considered restricted to the specific configuration of backpack member 2, with regard to the number of compartments, pockets, attachments etc. Any convenient and desired backpack design may be used with the invention. As a practical matter, the functionality of the backpack member itself is not effected by the unique aspects of the invention.

Separate seat member 12 comprises cushioned back rest section 14 with inboard surface 16 and external surface 18. Backpack member 2 is secured by sewn bonding, or equivalent connection to inboard surface 16 of back rest section 14. Inboard surface 16 and external surface 18 of back rest section 14 encloses space 20. Elongated back rest rods 22 and 24 extend substantially the full height of back rest section 14 and each is located on one side of this section. Rods 22 and 24 are slightly curved, solid, lightweight but inflexible, unconnected members. They are lightly tacked by glue or equivalent adhesive means between inboard surface 16 and outboard surface 18, at 23 and 25, so that they remain in position within back rest section 14. Rods 22 and 24 are otherwise not connected to any supporting members. This independent positioning of rods 22 and 24 provides the necessary rigidity, framing and shape to establish back rest section 14 as a comfortable back supporting member, both when the invention is used as a seat and when it is used as a backpack.

Seat member 12 also comprises seat base section 30 which, at 31, is connected by sewn or equivalent means to back rest section 14, so that the base member is pivotably secured to the back rest section. Base member 30 is thus moveable from a position approximately 90° in relation to back rest section 14, when the invention is to be used as a seat, to a position in which the base member is flush with the back rest section, when the invention is to be used as a backpack.

Base member 30 has lateral sections 32 and 34 and middle section 36. Lateral sections 32 and 34 and middle section 36 all extend the length of base member 30. Cushioning material 38 is located within all three sections, which are each covered with a flexible, non-rigid material. It is contemplated that the covering material which is to be used is a plastic, waterproof material, known in the art. Sewn or equivalent flexible joints 40 and 41 connect lateral sections 32 and 34 to middle section 36.

Elongated seat rods 42 and 44 are located within and extend substantially the length of lateral sections 32 and 34 respectively. Seat rods 42 and 44, like back rest rods 22 and 24 are also solid, lightweight, but inflexible, members, unconnected to any other supporting member. They also are slightly curved and contoured to support the upper legs of a seated user. The configuration of unconnected seat rods 42 and 44 also allows base member 30 to lay flush against back rest section 14, when the base member is folded up in the invention's backpack configuration.

In the seat configuration, lateral strap 50 with free end 53 and lateral strap 52 with free end 51, extend between back rest section 14 and the outboard end of base member 30. These straps provide lateral support and maintain the back rest section and base member in an angled position in relation to each other. Female buckle members 54 and 56, extending from back rest section 14, are configured to accept male buckle members 55 and 57, respectively. When buckle members 54 and 55 and 56 and 57 are engaged, base member 30 is maintained in an angular position with respect to back rest section 14.

When straps 50 and 52 are inserted through male buckle members 55 and 57, with free ends 51 and 53 extending from the buckle members, the angle between base member 30 and back rest section 14 can be very easily and quickly adjusted by the user while he or she is actually sitting on the base member and leaning against the back rest section. While leaning against back rest section 14, the user simply pulls free ends 51 and 53 of straps 50 and 52, which are threaded through male buckle members 55 and 57. These buckle members hold the straps in the final pulled position. The pulling action tightens the tension of straps 50 and 52 against the weight of the user against back rest section 14, which causes the back rest section to comfortably cushion the user's back. The configuration of back rest section 14 and base member 30 with their respective support rods 22, 24, 42, and 44, working in tandem with tensioned, locked straps 50 and 52, will maintain the user in a stable and secure seated position. Thus, normal leaning back by the user, against back rest section 14, will not cause the seat to tip or fall over. It will remain in position, not only cradling the user in the seated position, but also providing the user with rigid and comfortable back support.

When the invention is to be used as a backpack, base member 30, folded down in the seated position, is simply pivoted up to be flush against back rest section 14. Backpack arm straps 8 and 10 are positioned over raised base member 30. Male buckle member 55 on strap 52 then interconnects with female locking buckle 58 extending from backpack member 2 and male buckle member 57 on strap 50 interconnects with female locking buckle 60 extending from the other side of the backpack member. This secures base member 30 and maintains it in position against back rest section 14.

Thus backpack/seat 1 provides a fully functional backpack storage component in combination with a user-friendly seat. The invention is easily convertible from a backpack configuration to a seat which is sturdy, very stable, and provides a valuable and unique means of adjusting the seat's comfort level, while the user is actually sitting on the seat.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. A combination backpack and seat article for use both as a backpack and a seat, said article comprising: a backpack member with a plurality of storage compartments and arm straps; a seat member comprising: a cushioned back rest section having a given height and inboard and external surfaces, the backpack member being secured to the internal surface, said back rest section further comprising an enclosed space located between the inboard and exterior surfaces, and dual elongated back rest rods extending substantially the full height of the back rest section, one rod being located on each side of the back rest section, neither rod being connected to any other supporting element; a base member of given length pivotably connected to the back rest section, said base member having two lateral sections interconnected by a middle section, each lateral section comprising an elongated seat rod located within and extending substantially the full length of each section, neither seat rod being connected to any other supporting element; lateral support means extending between the back rest section and the base member for connecting the back rest section to the outboard end of the base member; and means for adjusting the angle between the back rest section and the base member while a user is sitting on the seat member; whereby when the article is used as a seat, the base member and back rest section are in an angled position in relation to each other and are maintained in this position by the lateral support means, and when the article is used as a backpack, the base member is pivoted upward and positioned between the arm straps and against the back rest.
 2. The combination backpack and seat article as in claim 1 wherein the lateral and middle sections are cushioned and are flexibly interconnected.
 3. The combination backpack and seat article as in claim 1 wherein the lateral support means comprises attachment straps.
 4. The combination backpack and seat article as in claim 3 wherein the means for adjusting the angle comprises buckles through which the attachment straps extend.
 5. The combination backpack and seat article as in claim 1 further comprising locking means to secure the base member against the back rest section when the article is used as a backpack.
 6. The combination backpack and seat article as in claim 5 wherein the locking means comprises interlocking buckles. 